Sports Minister McKenzie Demands Accountability from SAFA Over Mokoena’s Booking Saga
Minister Gayton McKenzie wants SAFA boss Danny Jordaan to give a report on the Lesotho match red card debacle. (Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
by Lwandiso Simanga
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the South African Football Association (SAFA), led by Danny Jordaan, to submit a detailed report explaining the administrative blunder that led to Bafana Bafana being docked three points in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The controversy stems from Federation International of Association Football’s (FIFA) decision to penalize South Africa by deducting three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during a qualifier against Lesotho in March. The midfielder should have been suspended after accumulating yellow cards, but was mistakenly included in the match, resulting in the loss of a crucial victory.
In a formal statement, McKenzie expressed serious concern over the incident, calling it a “significant administrative oversight” that not only jeopardized Bafana’s qualification hopes but also raised doubts about governance within SAFA.
“This incident has highlighted the urgent need for accountability and improved internal controls within our football administration,” he stated.
Although SAFA President Danny Jordaan has since downplayed the issue, describing it as “a thing of the past” upon the team’s return from Mbombela, McKenzie insisted that transparency must take precedence. He emphasized that the public deserves assurance that those responsible will face consequences and that safeguards will be put in place to prevent future lapses.
“The fans deserve full reassurance that appropriate measures have been taken. This includes accountability processes, consequences management, and the implementation of robust remedial actions,” said McKenzie.
The minister has requested that SAFA’s report include a complete timeline of events, details of how the error occurred, findings from any internal investigations, and actions taken against those involved.
Despite the setback, Bafana Bafana have since regained momentum, securing a crucial win over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday to strengthen their position in the World Cup qualifiers. However, McKenzie’s intervention signals that the government expects greater professionalism and responsibility from SAFA’s leadership moving forward.